Featured Tutor: Mark Durnford
Posted by Erin MacKenzie - 09:21 on 08 June 2010
How did you get into teaching English as a foreign language?
After university I was all set to go to Hollywood, get an agent and become a film composer and be the next John Williams writing scores for Steven Spielberg... then I came to my senses and became an English teacher. Friends of mine urged me to do a TEFL course and be an English teacher because of my love for the language, my love of teaching and my desire to travel.
Where in the world have you most enjoyed teaching?
Where I am now - Vietnam. Though if I were in Outer Mongolia, I'd probably answer... Outer Mongolia.
What's the worst tense to teach?
Future perfect continuous. It uses three auxiliary verbs before you use the main verb. Here's an example sentence: I will have been working as a teacher for 23 years (by the end of this year). Actually we rarely use it in every day speech (except in interviews like this one) so I tend to ignore it and present to only really high level students.
How did it feel to stand up in front of a class for the first time?
It was a long time ago now. I think I thought at the time: "Oh my god! What the f*** do I do now???"
What's your favourite food?
I love food and it shows! I will eat anything at least once. Right now I love eating "pho bo" every morning. It's a famous Vietnamese noodle dish. Very delicious!
What's the most interesting thing that has happened to you abroad?
In Tokyo I was invited to take part in a movie which I readily accepted... until I realised that I had to take my clothes off. It turned out that it was an adult video they were making. I immediately walked out, regretting my decision to this day!
What is your best TEFL experience?
Seeing my students progress with their English. There is no experience like it. Last year I started teaching a group who could barely say "hello". Now we chat quite naturally together at a coffee shop. It's a wonderful experience that cannot be accurately described in words.
What is your worst TEFL experience?
Working for an unprofessional school where making money comes before the education of their students and where people freely (and often sullenly) say: "It's not my job!" when asked to do something.
Do you have any good advice for anyone who about to head out abroad to teach English?
Firstly, find a good school who will offer training and positive feedback; make sure that the school has an experienced director of studies who will watch you teach and help you improve. Secondly, understand the English language well and develop a sound knowledge of grammar. It will give you the confidence to teach.
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“Joe demonstrated what great teaching looks like-very inspiring. Course was interesting, interactive, lots of chance to practise. Lots of tips and sharing experience from Joe. Thank you.” Carolyn Brown, Business Consultant, Whitley Bay
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